‘Digital Arrest’ Fraud Network Busted, Two Accused Arrested

New Delhi: The South District Police have taken major action against a cyber fraud gang allegedly involved in cheating people under the pretext of “digital arrest.” The Cyber South Police Station has arrested two accused from Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan in connection with a ₹6 lakh cyber fraud case. During the investigation, police also uncovered transactions worth around ₹50 lakh in another bank account and links to 10 cybercrime complaints registered across different states.

South District DCP Anant Mittal said the victim was intimidated through a WhatsApp video call by individuals posing as law enforcement officials. The victim was allegedly threatened with a “digital arrest” and forced to transfer ₹6 lakh into multiple bank accounts. An e-FIR, No. 499/26, was registered at Cyber South Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The investigation revealed that the defrauded money was initially transferred to a Federal Bank account belonging to Mukesh Kumhar, a resident of Bhilwara, Rajasthan. Subsequently, ₹5.50 lakh was transferred to a Kotak Mahindra Bank account belonging to Ritish Kumar Mehra, a resident of Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir. Following the financial trail, police first arrested Ritish Kumar Mehra and subsequently apprehended Mukesh Kumhar.

Technical investigation also revealed links between the online fraud activities and Cambodia, which are currently being investigated. Police recovered three mobile phones, four ATM/debit cards, five cheque books and five rubber stamps from the accused.

The police team comprised SI Uday Singh, Head Constable Vikas Kumar, Head Constable Praveen Kumar and Constable Praveen Joon. The operation was conducted under the leadership of the Cyber Police Station SHO and the overall supervision of the ACP Operations, South District.

Further investigation into the case is underway.